OUT NOW !!!!
Dylan would do anything for his brother. Even if it means riding his motorcycle into hell… Or Rain, a town with a terrible past and a dark secret. They say the trouble is in the water, and that’s partially true. There’s poison in the ecosystem. But, the trouble is in their blood.
Nile could solve his problem. She could save them all. But, she doesn’t want to.
When mercy’s a sin, falling in love is not an option.
…Not that it matters.
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“What’s the worst thing that could happen?” Dylan asked. The sky was clear, the air was crisp, and the trees around them were vibrant with color. It didn’t feel like the world was ending.
“Mob rule,” Nile said. “They lose their minds and try to intimidate us. Or, worse, punish us. We’d be forced to retreat until everybody gets sick. But the toxin is like cancer…it’s worse than cancer. People are in different stages. A lot of innocent people could die. If we’re shut down for any significant length of time, the original mission of eliminating us, might happen.”
“Wow.”
“The next worse scenario is a town war, which mom’s declaration might take us to. Our roots are deep and entangled. If you go back far enough, everybody is somebody’s third cousin or family friend for fifty years. People are going to come down on one side or the other. If they think we’re abusing power, or the opposite, not strong enough, that will add to the chaos.”
“Every time I think I understand, there is more, and it’s dark. This is crazy.” Dylan couldn’t see the fall colors or the blue sky. He was too numb to feel the air.
Her eyes were sad. “That’s not the heartbreaking part.”
He already knew the heartbreaking part. It was breaking his heart. “Jake and I are going to fall on different sides of this.”
She nodded. “You might. You and I might fall on different sides of this.” She wiped a tear.
He put his arm around her, for her comfort and his.
She laid her head on his shoulder. “I have the ability to save lives, but the reality is, I’m going to let some people die.”
“Circumstance gave you a gift, Nile. But, you’re not God. You’re not picking and choosing. Circumstance is.”
She kissed his cheek and wrapped her arm around his chest, being careful of his wound. “Thank you.”
He kissed her hair and for a while they let the quiet soothe them.
When he could talk again, he asked, “What’s the best we can hope for?”
She thought for a moment. “That Maya is completely innocent. At that point, it would be best to let her go.”
“That’s great for Jake, but what about me?”
“You don’t live or work here, Dylan. Whatever happens, you’re leaving anyway.”
Nothing logical, sensible, or reasonable made his heart beat the way she did. “I never got that dinner date.”
“Let’s go eat. It could be the last chance we get.”
Dylan thought it best not to point out they were in different places. She was preparing for goodbye. He was contemplating ways to stay. He stood up behind her and appreciated her ass as she climbed out of the boat.
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Tracy A. Ball
Made entirely of rum and snacks—International Bestselling Author, Tracy A. Ball is a native Baltimorean and veteran West Virginian, whose family is a mashup of cultures. She writes real and raw interracial romance with an intensity that burns because she has been busting stereotypes while teaching interracial/generational healing for more than a quarter of a century.
Tracy engages with folks from every twist of fate and all manner of experience. She has hung out with murderers and dined with people who have dined with the Pope, which is why she needs the rum…and a nap.
Her published works include: Blood Like Rain, Welcome to BBs, The Other Shore, “Mercury Chain Thomson” Death’s Desire, Big Guns & Bullsh@t, “Imogene’s Flowers,” “Thorns,” “Black’s Magic” “Truly, Madly, Kiss Me,” “Cumberland Christmas,” Civil Warriors, Dragonfly Dreams, “An Angel with Dirty Wings,” “Tsarina,” KAYOS: The Bad & The Worse, The Tiger & The Snake, The Right Way to Be Wrong, “Left on Marriottsville,” “The Train Ride,” Mail Duty, White Russian Lies.
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